Snap’s Next AR Glasses Finally Moving Forward With Qualcomm

Snap is making real progress on its next-generation augmented reality glasses after years of silence. The company just partnered with Qualcomm, the chipmaker behind most Android phones, to push the project forward.

Snap’s AR glasses, called Specs, have been in development limbo for a while. The company showed off early versions but then went quiet on any concrete release timeline. This new partnership with Qualcomm suggests the hardware is actually coming.

Qualcomm’s involvement matters because the company specializes in building efficient mobile processors. AR glasses need serious computing power but can’t drain a battery in an hour. Qualcomm’s chips could solve that problem for Snap.

The deal doesn’t come with a specific launch date yet. But it’s the clearest signal Snap has given that it’s serious about shipping AR glasses to consumers, not just developers.

Based on reporting from TechCrunch.